Abstract
Background Cholera remains a public health issue, especially in developing countries. We report a cholera outbreak in North Delhi.
Objective To report the causative agent of outbreak and to characterize, biotype, and analyze antimicrobial resistance pattern of V. cholerae isolated from cholera patients admitted to our hospital. The outbreak occurred from July 2016 to August 2016.
Materials and Methods A total of 179 stool samples from pediatrics department were received and processed according to the current Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.
Results Out of 179 stool samples received by the laboratory, 26 samples grew Vibrio cholerae O1 Biotype El Tor. Cefotaxime and ceftriaxone were the most sensitive drugs. All isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole followed by tetracycline.
Conclusion According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera is becoming endemic in Delhi. Emergence of multiple antibiotic-resistant cholera isolates is a concern. Prompt identification and notification of cholera are the key measures to avert cholera outbreak. Clean water supply and improved sanitation measures should be taken for prevention of cholera.
Keywords
cholera - antibiotic resistance - public health - outbreak - North Delhi
